Fryman Is Foundation Of Tigers' Rebuilding Project

March 11, 1997|By George Diaz of The Sentinel Staff

HAINES CITY — He is a respected clubhouse policeman on a team reflecting a youthful look of innocence and ineptitude.

Travis Fryman might one day become a significant part of the framework for the long-term rebuilding project of the Detroit Tigers. For now, though, he must accept the growing pains of a franchise that lost more games (109) than any other in 1996.

With the retirement of Alan Trammell - the last link to Detroit's 1984 World Series championship - Fryman becomes Detroit's go-to man, between the lines and beyond.

''Travis has to be strong,'' Detroit manager Buddy Bell said before Detroit's 5-3 victory against the Kansas City Royals in 11 innings on Monday. ''There are some frustrating periods - obviously last year being one of them - that he has to be able to look to the future a little bit. And that's hard to do for a player like Travis. But he's a strong person.''

Nestled in the heart of a new-look lineup at the No. 3 spot, Fryman is a comforting security blanket. He hit .268 last season with 22 home runs and a career-high 100 RBIs, earning a fourth consecutive spot on the American League All-Star team as an infielder.

Fryman, 27, is slotted at third base this season after starting all but one of the final 30 games at shortstop last season. Orlando Miller - part of a 10-player deal with the Houston Astros - assumes the shortstop position.

''It's the way it ought to be,'' Fryman said. ''I'm a decent shortstop, but I'm not anything more than maybe average. I might hit a little better than some shortstops, but defensively, I'm average. Third base is my natural position.''

Offensive productivity is one of the significant areas of improvement on a team that finished last in the American League in hitting, pitching and fielding. Detroit's 6.38 earned-run average last season was the highest in AL history. The Tigers did not have a pitcher in double figures in victories or saves.

''It's difficult, certainly, but I'll remain confident as long as we're trying to do what it takes to win,'' Fryman said. ''But it's going to take some time.''

Signed to a $5 million per year salary, Fryman will eat up a nice chunk of Detroit's $20 million scrimp-and-save payroll. Although Fryman was the focus of trade rumors as one of Detroit's few viable ''commodities,'' he remains on board through the 1998 season.

And perhaps into the next decade.

''That's the desire of my heart,'' said Fryman, a resident of Pensacola. ''If something changes, then I'll be very disappointed.''